Chapter 19

Z A R A

The sun shine's brightly through the windows, making me squint in my sleep. I groan as I cuddle closer against the body providing me with comfort.

Body providing me with comfort? What body?

My eyes shoot open and I remember the events of last night. Alejandro is still asleep, his arms are still wrapped around me.

I reach out to stroke my hand through his hair, he looks so beautiful and peaceful when he's asleep. Just yesterday, I saw this man get hot and heavy with Amelia and Marcus, yet I'm here in his bed, acting like we're a happily married couple.

No self-respect, huh, Zara? My conscious speaks. He says you're only his but the same doesn't apply to him in regards to you.

"I could watch him like this forever," I sigh quietly, ignoring my logical thoughts as my thumb grazes his bottom lip carelessly.

Alejandro suddenly opens his mouth and lightly bites down on my finger, making me gasp, "Craving a kiss?"

"No," I lie.

"Again, lying isn't your fort," he chuckles, his morning voice raspy and thick. The butterflies intensify, and his morning voice hits in all different places.

"No, it isn't," I admit.

He gives me a peck on my lips before getting up, "I would love to stay and kiss every inch of your body but then I would be behind schedule." Just then, his cell phone rings, which he picks up.

"What?" he says into the phone. "How many bodies?"

And just like that, my temporary bliss shatters.

"How many fucking times did I inform every single one of you to not do exactly what you just did?" He yells into the phone.

His loud voice slowly disappears into the bathroom and I take this opportunity to make my way to my own room. After cleaning myself up and scolding myself for last night, I head towards the kitchen.

"Okay, but I had to do whatever was necessary to not end up in a fucked up situation... so, it was for self-defense?" I mutter as I try to defend my actions. A text tone goes off on my phone and when I glance over, it's Alejandro. He informs me that he had left 20 minutes ago and to not expect him back home for a while. I sigh in relief, more temporary bliss!

The table has been set up with the breakfast already laid out, of course. The food still looks warm and fresh so I begin to chow down on the scrambled eggs!

I'm sure Charlotte was relieved that she didn't have to converse with me today. I know talking to me puts her on the edge because if she slips up one wrong word, Alejandro will make sure his finger slips on the trigger.

"Front door open," the automated system announces.

My heart drops, is it him?

"Ma'am?" Charlotte's small voice calls out.

"Charlotte!" I grin happily.

"Good morning, Ma'am. I was asked by Boss to take you out shopping today," she states.

"Shopping? Like, outside?" I ask in confusion.

She nods, "He wants me to take you around a few stores so you're able to choose a dress and accessories for an event coming up very soon."

"Are you sure he allowed for me to be able to leave?" I ask again.

She nods, "Yes, I'm sure."

Freedom is being handed to me on a silver platter yet I'm deathly terrified of reaching out.

"And where would we be visiting?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Mostly, we will be visiting some stores around the Upper East Side and Midtown," she lists. "We may also drop by some stores in SoHo."

"Ah, should I get ready?" I ask as I stare at my pajamas.

"Yes, please," she nods. "We will head out in 30 minutes if that's okay with you?"

"Yes!" I grin. "That's perfectly fine with me!"

Just at that very moment, I receive another text from Alejandro:

"Though I've permitted you to leave the apartment with Charlotte, if you decide to even think about doing anything out of the ordinary, I will not hesitate to serve your punishment out as your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and I will have Frank act as a bodyguard for your safety for the trip today. Enjoy your afternoon, my love!"

My throat becomes instantly dry after reading the text. Enjoy my afternoon after that text? I hope one of those crazy New York drivers can run me over in a freak accident. But even if that happens, Alejandro would probably not only have the cab driver murdered but Charlotte and Frank would not get away with it either.

"Ma'am, is everything okay?" Charlotte breaks me out of a trance.

"Yes, yes. Sorry, I'll be right back," I smile.

After dressing in some cozy clothes to match the chilly fall weather, I follow Charlotte out. I hadn't noticed that Charlotte's dressed much more formally today... She looks so cute, yet strict. I take a glimpse at myself in the elevator reflection, maybe I should've dressed up a bit more?

When we reach the blacked-out Cadillac Escalade, Frank is already waiting by the back passenger door, holding it open.1

"I see you're still alive, lady," he mumbles.

"It's good to see you too, Frank," I smile.

"F-Frank, what are you doing here?" Charlotte's eyes widen. He looks at her blankly as if he's never seen her before,

"And you are?"

"Charlotte," she answers quietly.

"Doesn't ring a bell," his expression blank. "Now, if you ladies don't mind, I don't have all day," he gestures for us to get in the car.

"Do you two know each other?" I whisper to Charlotte.

"I guess not," she sighs, looking down at her lap.

I raise a brow in suspicion but let it go because the topic looks like it may upset Charlotte.

"Where's our first stop?" Trying to be more excited.

"Chanel," she answers casually.

My eyes widen, "For real?"

She furrows her brows in confusion, "Yes?"

"What other stores did you have in mind?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Gucci, Hermès, YSL, Givenchy, Valentino, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Dior—"

"Wait, wait, wait," I stop her rambling. "First of all, those are way too many places to visit in one day. Second of all, I definitely don't have the money for this."

"Of course not, Ma'am," Charlotte giggles softly. "Boss is funding the whole trip. He's provided me with his credit card to shop with. And, besides, we won't have to visit all the stores, as long as we successfully finish finding all the items for a full outfit." I pray to God that we find something by the time we're at the second or third store because this might end up being more torturous if it's prolonged.

"This is why I shop online," I sigh. "Alright,

let's get this party started."

• • •

"Should we look for accessories here or the dress?" Charlotte asks.

"Uh, let's start with the dress?" I suggest.

This stretch of Midtown is where the luxury stores are located. Walking towards Chanel, I'm sure we passed by Burberry, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. Actually, you couldn't walk through without encountering a luxury store. My broke ass has never seen so many fancy people in one place before... damn it, I should've dressed better.

The attendants at Chanel greet us and shockingly, no one gave me an odd look.

"This is Mr. Genovese's fiancée, yes?" One of the staff members asked. Charlotte nods, "Yes, please don't hesitate to show us your best evening gowns."I was expecting them to look at me with some sort of judgment once they found out I'm Alejandro's fiancée. But, again, no one reacted out of the ordinary.

"Any preferences, ma'am?" One of the female staff members asks.

I stare at Charlotte, who encourages me to speak up.

"Uh... anything that doesn't show skin, if that's possible?" I add.

"Any preferences for the shape of the gown?" The woman continues to ask after nodding.

"I don't mind anything as long as it's floor-length," I say. "Sorry, I'm sure that doesn't cut down on your options!"

The woman's eyes widen, "Please, no need to apologize, ma'am! Mr. Genovese would not appreciate it."

Ah, yes. Alejandro has instilled fear into these guys as well. Maybe that's why no one dared to even look at me oddly.

"The dress code is black, I believe?" The employee asks to confirm.

"Yes, that's what I've been informed," Charlotte answers.

"Oh! That's awesome! I only ever wear black," I grin.

Frank rolls his eyes at me, "Lady, the event is important. Don't go actin' up like a child."

"Frank! Don't speak to her in such a relaxed manner," Charlotte says in a hushed tone.

Frank only huffs.

"It's okay, Charlotte. I feel rather humane when Frank speaks in such a laid-back manner," I assure her. I turn to Frank, "I will act like the biggest child there, just to create a scene."

Frank smirks ever so slightly as I laugh. The atmosphere even manages to make Charlotte and the employees relax a bit as they softly chuckle.

"Anything that can help us slim down our options, ma'am?" The employee asks.

"I do love a good gothic feel to my outfits," I slip in.

"I think we should create a custom gown for you," she suggests.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" I shake my head. "I didn't mean to make it extra work for you. I'll choose whatever you think is best!"

The woman smiles very kindly, "No, it's no trouble at all, Ma'am. I understand that you have a certain image in mind now. It's a perfect opportunity to create something you'll love to wear!"

We spent an hour and a half sketching out a dream gown with one of the designers until everyone was satisfied. Charlotte looks like she was having so much fun, I'm going to guess the poor woman doesn't get enough time off.

"Are you two coming to the event as well?" I ask both Charlotte and Frank.

Frank only nods a man of few words as always.

Charlotte looks away with a sad look on her face, "No, of course not, ma'am. It's not for people of my... status."

"Give me a moment," I say to her.

I pull out my phone and call Alejandro:

"Hi, Sir,"

"Missing me, my love?" I can imagine the smirk on his face from his tone.

"Sure," I reply sarcastically. "I have a request to make. Can Charlotte join us at the party we'll be attending?"

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